Small businesses give back (more) to your community. According to Civic Economics, each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally three times as much as purchases at chain stores.

Small businesses create jobs. About half of all American workers are either employed by a small business or own a small business. And two outof three new jobs are created by small business according to the Small Business Association. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.

Small businesses provide better customer service. Small business owners strive to survive and one of the biggest advantages they have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service.

Small businesses lead to more choices. Small businesses have just as much access to vendors that big box businesses do. The more you shop here, the more business owners can adjust their selection to meet your needs. And the more you shop locally and grow the local economy, the more likely a new small business is to open.

Small businesses create a sense of community. Local shops and businesses are great places to run into friends and neighbors and their owners are actually invested in Rutland. Did you know that small businesses are often the first do donate to local non-profits, organizations and events?

Small businesses care about the environment. Many of our local businesses purchase their goods from other small businesses in Vermont. Foods and goods have less distance to travel to you which means what you buy produces less pollution and is often higher quality.